Fluid distributor unit

ABSTRACT

A fluid distributor unit comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels ( 2 ) starting on an inlet side ( 3 ) of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels ( 6 ) ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side ( 4 ), characterised in that said distributor unit is provided in one single body ( 1 ) by free form fabrication.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a filing under 35 U.S.C. §371 and claims priority to international patent application number PCT/SE2010/050559 filed May 24, 2010, published on Dec. 2, 2010 as WO 2010/138061, which claims priority to application number 0950386-3 filed in Sweden on May 29, 2009.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a distributor unit for uniformly distributing a fluid flow onto a porous bed in a column In particular it relates to a sanitary distributor unit for use in the processing of biomacromolecules. Furthermore the present invention relates to a method to prepare said distributor unit.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the processing of biomacromolecules for pharmaceutical use such as proteins, peptides, nucleic acids, vaccine antigens etc it is common to use packed columns for purification (chromatography) and/or synthesis (solid phase synthesis of e.g. peptides or oligonucleotides).

In these columns, the fluid distribution system is of paramount importance to the overall performance, particularly for columns with large cross-sections in relation to bed height. Since the products are to be used in pharmaceuticals, it is also critical that the fluid distribution systems can be efficiently sanitised to avoid any risk of product contamination.

Columns for liquid chromatography or solid phase synthesis normally comprise a vessel filled with a porous bed through which a liquid flows, with separation in the chromatography case taking place by material distribution between the liquid and the solid phase of the porous bed. The porous bed is commonly a packed bed, typically formed by consolidating a suspension of discrete particles, but it can also be a monolithic porous body or a stack of porous sheets (membranes). The column often has a cylindrical geometry, with flow passing axially from one end to the other, but columns with radial flow are also well known and non-cylindrical geometries have been described. In all these constructions, the liquid flow must be well distributed from a feed tube over the entire bed surface. As the scaling parameter of columns is usually the column diameter, with the bed height kept constant, the difficulty of distribution is considerably higher for large-scale columns with correspondingly low height-to-diameter ratios.

A uniform flow distribution is essential in order to obtain good efficiency for a chromatography column Uniform flow distribution is a prerequisite for achieving uniform residence time for all fluid elements passing the packed bed and column, respectively. Any deviations from uniformity will show up as premature breakthrough, low plate numbers or peak asymmetry as they generate an unfavourable broadening in the residence time distribution over the column Two features of a distribution system are essential for achieving uniform flow distribution: The first feature is the ability of the distribution system to transfer fluid from essentially a single tubing feeding liquid to the column onto the surface of the packed bed such that all fluid elements are applied simultaneously over the packed bed surface. The same simultaneous withdrawal and collection of fluid applies to the removal of fluid at the column outlet. The second critical feature is the ability to maintain uniform pressure across the surface of the packed bed which is yielding a uniform fluid velocity over the bed and the column Distribution systems of prior art typically suffer from the fact that neither of mentioned features can be achieved. A compromise has to be found which is least unfavourable with regard to chromatographic operation and packed bed dimensions. Hereby, the scalability of a given distribution system is limited as the dimensions of the distribution system have to be optimised for a narrow range of packed bed properties as well as a limited range of fluid flow and pressure. In the solid phase synthesis case, similar constraints apply in the quest for high product yield/purity and for efficient utilisation of expensive reagents.

A classical fluid distribution system for axial columns simply consists of a central inlet for the mobile phase in combination with a thin distribution channel (gap) behind a filter (woven net or sinter) confining the inlet end of the bed. This type of system will by necessity deteriorate strongly in performance with increasing diameter of the column This is due to the residence time difference between fluid elements travelling from the inlet to the outer column wall and those fluid elements which directly can enter the net and the bed region below the inlet port. Further, the required fluid transfer of liquid throughout the distribution channel towards the column wall will result in a pressure drop across the distribution channel. As a result, the pressure drop over the packed bed and thus the uniformity of the fluid velocity field will be affected.

Classical distribution systems as described above are typically relying on a lateral liquid distribution over the packed bed by means of said distribution channel. A problem with this technique is that the distribution channel preferably should be open and hereby allowing for unrestricted lateral fluid flow avoiding pressure loss by means of lateral fluid transfer. However, for reasons of structural stability it is required to incorporate a support structure in between the end piece of the column and the particle retaining filter, which is often represented by a coarse woven mesh or patterns of support ribs machined into the column end piece. A disadvantage with this necessary support structure in the distribution channel is that it occupies space and causes pressure loss by increased tortuosity or wall friction in the distribution channel. If the support structure is omitted, the filter material may bulge during use, causing non-uniform distribution as the distribution channel and thus the lateral fluid distribution is compromised.

Another well-known technique for distribution is the plate system, typically utilising a plate with face openings along radii (and optionally circumferences) on the plate to achieve fluid distribution by decreasing the resistance of fluid flow through the plate with increasing radius. This type of construction relies on pressure loss through orifices caused by turbulence. This underlying principle requires operation at a single fluid velocity to ensure the functionality, leading to a poor control of the pressure drop and hence a poor distribution when operating over a broader range of fluid velocities over the packed bed and column as typically required in chromatography.

A third technique is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,537,217, which is comprised of a layered distribution structure, comprising a first layer that acts as a cover and in which a fluid inlet is formed, a second layer wherein a number of channels are formed which each terminates in an outlet extending through the second layer. The outlets form a well-distributed pattern, which provides a high degree of fluid distribution on the packing side of the distribution system. Although this system provides distribution, it suffers from several disadvantages, particularly in that it is difficult to produce especially for a large number of channels at large column diameters. There is further a risk for sanitary problems due to the troublesome cleaning of channels with a large number of sharp 90 degree corners, and in that it is impossible to prevent fluid from entering in between the layers.

As a further development of the last technique, U.S. Pat. No. 5,354,460 discloses the use of a large number of fan shaped “step-down-nozzles”, similar to the layered distribution structure presented above, that are arranged in concentric rings and interconnected by a manifold system. Due to the modular construction this system may be produced using large-scale production techniques, but the high degree of complexity still results in high production costs. Like the layered distribution structure, complex assembled systems of this type are extremely difficult to clean; whereby there is an obvious risk for sanitary problems.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,905,595 discloses a distributor with a simpler rotationally symmetric construction, but it is still difficult to manufacture due to the joining of several plates and comprises channels with sharp corners and 90-degree bends that cause undesired turbulence and difficulties in sanitation.

WO99/48599 contemplates the use of casting techniques to prepare a fractal distribution plate as a unitary structure, but the structures indicated are all of the classical sharp-cornered 90 degree bend type discussed in the above references.

Common features of all the distributor units described above are also a) that they are used with a filter (woven net or sinter) between the distributor unit and the bed, b) that a structural support is required to be fitted in the distribution channel to provide mechanical support in between the end piece and the filter and c) that they are fitted with elastomeric sealing means (O-rings and the like) to seal against the column tube walls. The joints between the distributor unit and these auxiliary constructions are likely to contribute to sanitation difficulties.

D Tondeur and L Luo (Chem Eng Sci 59, 1799-1813 2004) describe a fractal distributor for an activated carbon monolith, prepared by stereolithography. The design is however again of the sharp-cornered 90 degree bend type discussed above and is not suitable for applications where a sanitary design is needed.

There is thus a need for a distributor unit with a well-designed channel tree structure that allows for good distribution without joints, sharp bends and corners that create turbulence and problems in sanitation. There is also a need for a manufacturing technique to prepare this distributor unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the invention is to provide a uniformly distributed flow of one or more feeds onto a chromatography or solid phase synthesis column for processing of biomacromolecules. This is achieved with a fluid distributor unit as defined in claim 1.

One advantage with such a fluid distributor unit is that it provides excellent distribution characteristics.

Another advantage is that the proposed liquid distribution unit reduces the risk for sanitation problems due to the one-piece design with no interconnections/joints and the possibility to avoid sharp corners and 90 degree bends.

Yet another advantage is that the proposed liquid distribution unit makes possible a true “design by calculation” and therefore an a priori optimization of all its dimensions to achieve optimal performance and scalability.

Further suitable embodiments of the invention are described in the depending claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an outside view of the distributor unit according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a negative contrast schematic view of the channel system in the distributor unit according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a close-up view of a part of the channel system in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an outside view of the distributor unit according to another embodiment of the invention, with conical diffusors at the outlet side.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an axial flow column according to one embodiment of the invention, with the flow going downwards.

FIG. 6 is a schematic view of an axial flow column, with the flow going upwards.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a radial flow column arrangement according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 8 is a series of schematic views of channel segments having variable diameter according to certain embodiments of the invention: FIG. 8 a) linear decrease of diameter, FIG. 8 b) linear increase of diameter, FIG. 8 c) nonlinear decrease of diameter, FIG. 8 d) nonlinear increase of diameter, FIG. 8 e) linear constriction, FIG. 8 f) nonlinear constriction.

FIG. 9 is a schematic view of a distributor unit with an integral filter according to one embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a flow scheme of one aspect of the invention, showing a process for drawing, simulating the function, optimizing the function and manufacturing the distributor unit using computer systems.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention discloses a sanitary fluid distributor unit 1 as depicted in FIGS. 1-3, comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels 2 starting on an inlet side 3 of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels 6 ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side 4. According to the invention, the distributor unit is provided in one single body by free form fabrication. The distributor unit is intended to be used e.g. in a chromatography or solid phase synthesis column so that the feed enters the inlet channel(s) 2 and is distributed by the channel tree over the entire inlet surface of a column bed 9 (see FIG. 5). It will then migrate as a well defined liquid phase plug through the bed to the outlet surface, where it will enter a collector unit 10 (FIG. 5)—which can be an inversed distributor unit according to the present invention—collecting the plug from the entire bed outlet surface and concentrating it via a channel tree to a column outlet 11. In a vertical axial column where the distributor unit is typically plate-shaped, as depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6, the flow may go either upwards or downwards, so that on flow reversal the distributor unit 8 will become the collector unit 10 and vice versa. In a radial column arrangement (FIG. 7), the flow will from the inlet side 12 enter a tubular distributor unit 13, surrounding the perimeter of the column with a branched channel system, such that the fluid is distributed over the entire outside surface of the tubular bed 14. It will then pass as a plug radially inwards through the bed and be collected via a cylindrical collector unit 15 to an outlet 16.

In a specific embodiment, part of the channel volume is not accessible by a straight line of sight from any channel openings on either side of the distributor unit. We have discovered that a channel system with smoothly curved channels is to be preferred over the traditional right-angle arrangement. This gives better distribution of the fluid, lower pressure drops and facilitates the sanitation of the unit. Suitably, the angle of curvature will vary over different parts of the channel system and optionally the maximum angle of curvature (with angle of curvature defined as the acute angle between two tangents to a channel before and after a bend) of any channel will be more than 20 degrees, such as e.g. over 30 or 40 or even 50 degrees. In one embodiment the maximum angle of curvature of the channels may be between 20 and 70 degrees. This has the advantage of avoiding sharp bends that may be detrimental to sanitation. The radius of curvature will also vary over the system and optionally the average radius of curvature of any channel will be less than 5 channel diameters (or equivalent circle diameters if the channels are not cylindrical), in certain embodiments less than 4 or even less than 2 diameters. To obtain a smooth curved structure advantageous for sanitation, distribution and low pressure drops, the minimum radius of curvature in the channel system should be above 0.25 channel diameters (or equivalent circle diameters if the channels are not cylindrical), in certain embodiments above 0.5 channel diameters. The channel systems contemplated here will be three-dimensionally tortuous and hence not accessible in their entirety from the outside with machining tools, moulds etc., making them difficult/impossible to produce with traditional methods. As a solution to this issue we have found that Free Form Fabrication can be applied to channel systems that are not readily accessible with machining tools or moulds from the outside of the distributor unit.

In an advantageous embodiment the channel system has two or more generations of branching. To get good distribution, a high degree of branching is needed and this is preferably accomplished by multiple levels of branching. As soon as the number of branch generations exceeds two (i.e. inlet channel 2+first branch generation 5+second branch generation 6), the branch network will contain parts that are not accessible from the outside with machining tools or moulds, but again the free form manufacturing technology makes this type of arrangement possible without having to assemble the unit from several parts. Even two generations of branching is in most cases difficult to achieve by machining from the outside. In one embodiment all branch channels form an acute angle with at least one other branch channel originating from the same branching point. The angle can be below 70 degrees or even below 50 degrees.

In one aspect of the invention, all paths through the channel system, from inlet channel 2 through the branching channels to the outlet side 4, have essentially the same flow resistance. This preferably means that they have essentially the same length, tortuosity and diameters.

In a further embodiment the distributor unit comprises channels with tapered channel segments as illustrated in FIG. 8 a-f, optionally with the channel diameter decreasing 20,22 from the inlet side of the unit. Previous designs typically use cylindrical channels, because these are easiest to manufacture by machining We have however discovered an advantage in using tapered channels so that the differential pressure drop can be made constant or nearly constant throughout the distributor network, which is advantageous for the column efficiency. This type of design would either involve tapered channels with a diameter that decreases e.g. linearly 20 from the inlet side or more complex geometries with nonlinear diameter changes 22,23 and/or constrictions 24,25 at suitable points. With such designs it is possible to prepare distributor units where the pressure drop during use and testing is either constant or varies in a linear or non-linear mode along the channel system, whichever gives the best column efficiency in a given system. It is also possible to prepare distributor units where the residence time and/or hold-up volume is constant for all paths through the channel system, or alternatively where residence time and/or hold-up volume varies according to a predetermined pattern.

In another embodiment, the channel diameter increases at the outlet side to form a set of conical or pyramidal diffusors 7 (FIGS. 2 and 3). These diffusors will provide the final stage of distribution before the flow reaches the bed surface.

In one embodiment the fluid distributor unit comprises two or more separate channel systems for individual distribution of several fluids to a column This is particularly useful in solid phase synthesis, where different reactive chemicals are applied to the column and premature reaction with residual fluids in the distributor should be avoided.

Another aspect of the invention is a chromatography or solid phase synthesis column equipped with a fluid distributor unit as described above. As the importance of good distribution increases with increasing column diameter, it is particularly advantageous to use the distributor unit on cylindrical axial flow columns with over 5 cm bed diameter or even over 10, 20, 30 or 40 cm.

Yet another aspect of the invention is a method to prepare a fluid distributor unit by free form fabrication. Free form fabrication (FFF) is a broad term for techniques to manufacture solid objects by the sequential delivery of energy and/or material to specified points in space to produce that solid. A general feature is that a three-dimensional computer model is generated, sliced into thin sections and two-dimensional coordinates are provided for the sections. The two-dimensional coordinates are then used to control the placement of solid material in a layer-by-layer build-up of a solid object according to the computer model. FFF is also referred to as solid free form fabrication (SFF), rapid prototyping, rapid manufacturing, layered manufacturing and additive fabrication. FFF techniques are available for manufacturing of objects from metals, thermoplastics, crosslinked polymers and ceramics. A number of these techniques are:

-   -   Electron beam melting. Starts with metal powder and produces         fully fused void-free solid metal parts     -   Electron beam free form fabrication. Starts with metal wire and         produces fully fused void-free metal parts.     -   Fused deposition modelling. Extrudes molten plastic through a         nozzle, building up a three-dimensional object.     -   Laminated object manufacturing. Starts with sheets of paper or         thermoplastic film, that are attached to previous layers by         adhesive bonding or heat-sealing and then the desired outline of         the layer is cut by a laser or a knife.     -   Laser engineered net shaping. Starts with metal powder that is         melted by a laser and deposited directly on the part. Produces         fully fused void-free parts.     -   Selective laser sintering. Starts with powdered metal or         thermoplastic, which is fused by a laser in the object outline         volume.     -   Shape deposition manufacturing. The part and a sacrificial         support material are deposited by a printhead and later machined         to near-final shape.     -   Solid ground curing. A layer of photopolymer is applied and         cured with UV light beamed through an electrostatic mask. A         solid wax is typically used as sacrificial support material.     -   Stereolithography. A liquid photopolymerizable composition is         deposited and cured with a laser.     -   Three-dimensional printing. A general terminology for several         techniques that use inkjet-like printheads to deposit liquid         materials in layers. The liquid “inks” are typically solidified         by photopolymerization or thermal phase change.     -   Robocasting. Another general terminology for techniques where         material is deposited by a robotically controlled syringe or         extrusion head.

A great advantage of FFF is that objects of essentially any shape can be manufactured. This means that constructions which hitherto have been difficult to prepare, like curved channels, channel systems with multiple branching, tapered channels etc can be manufactured using FFF. A typical FFF system is connected to a computer in such a way that a Computer Aided Design (CAD) file is produced on the computer and sent to the FFF “printer” for automated manufacturing. This gives a possibility to optimize the structure according to hydrodynamic theory and to directly manufacture it without having to consider previous limitations in manufacturing technology. Another advantage of FFF is that the production cost is independent of the design complexity. Hence, a design with multiple branch levels and complex channel geometries can be made to the same cost as a relatively simple design.

In one aspect of the invention, illustrated in FIG. 9, the distributor unit 30 is directly manufactured as a single body with an integral fine pore filter 31, having average pore diameter below 30 microns or even below 15 microns, using high resolution FFF technology. This eliminates the need to join a separate filter material and hence avoids sanitation difficulties in the joint areas and the risk of filter bulging during testing or use. It also eliminates the need for any support structure between the endpiece and a filter.

In yet another aspect of the invention, dual material FFF technology is used to directly manufacture a distributor unit with an integral elastomeric sealing area against the column material. In this case a rigid material is contemplated for the main body of the distributor unit and an elastomeric material for the sealing area.

One aspect of the invention is a method to design and prepare a fluid distributor unit by communicating a design file from a Computer Assisted Design (CAD) system to a computer-controlled FFF system.

Suitably, as depicted in FIG. 10, drawings of a distributor unit are S1 made in a computer system (e.g. a CAD system) and the function is then S2 simulated in a computer system, e.g. using some type of Computerized Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software to optimize the design. If the function is not optimal S3 according to the constraints used, a new drawing is S1 prepared and again tested by simulation. When the design is considered optimal S3, the distributor unit is S4 produced in the FFF system. In addition to conventional CFD software it is possible to use any calculation method able to simulate properties of the fluid flow in regard to distribution, residence time, hold-up volume, pressure loss or fluid velocity

Suitably, the fluid distributor unit is prepared from a material (crosslinked polymer, thermoplastic, ceramic or metal) generating less than 1 mg/1 leachables in the mobile phase or any other fluid used under running and testing conditions, optionally from a material that does not contain toxic leachables according to the US Pharmacopeia USP VI standard. The amount of leachables is typically tested by filling the unit with an extraction fluid, letting it extract at a set temperature (typically 20-50° C.) for a set time (typically one hour to one week), removing the extraction fluid and determining the concentration of any substance emanating from the distributor unit with analysis methods known in the art. The extraction fluid is suitably chosen among liquids that may be used under running and testing of the columns, such as aqueous solutions of pH 0-14, optionally containing buffer substances, salts, bases, acids, complexing agents or water-miscible solvents.

Suitably, the channel surfaces in the fluid distributor unit are produced to a low roughness, with a roughness average (Ra) lower than 10 microns, 5 microns, 2.5 microns or even lower than 0.5 microns. A low surface roughness will improve the sanitation of the device. As some varieties of FFF may give surfaces with Ra values up to 30-50 microns, an advantageous embodiment includes a step of modifying the channel surfaces after the FFF step. In one embodiment this modification step involves the application of a coating on the channel surfaces. The coating can be applied as a liquid through the channel system, which by design is suitable to distribute a coating liquid evenly, and then solidified to form a smooth sanitable coating layer with low roughness. As examples of suitable coatings can be mentioned crosslinkable oligomers (acrylates, epoxies, polyurethanes, polyethers, polyhydroxy polymers etc), solutions or dispersions of polymers in evaporating solvents (e.g. polyacrylates, polyolefins, styrene copolymers etc) or solutions of metal ions that can be deposited as a metal film by galvanic or electroless plating processes. In addition to the reduction of surface roughness, advantages of applying a coating are that it can reduce fouling (particularly if hydrophilic protein-repellant coatings like polyethylene glycol or polysaccharides are used) and hence improve sanitation or it can reduce or it can eliminate migration of chemical compounds from the bulk material into the fluid during operation (particularly if a high barrier coating such as e.g. a metal film is used).

In another embodiment the step of modifying the channel surfaces can involve abrading the channel surfaces, e.g. by passing a fluid containing abrasive particles through the channels. This will also reduce the surface roughness.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

1. A sanitary fluid distributor unit for processing of biomacromolecules comprising a channel system where one or more inlet channels (2) starting on an inlet side (3) of the distributor unit branch out successively into several channels (6) ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side (4), wherein said distributor unit is provided in one single body (1) by free form fabrication and that the channel system comprises curved channels.
 2. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the channel system has two or more generations of branching.
 3. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the maximum angle of curvature of the channels is more than 20 degrees, such as between 20 and 70 degrees.
 4. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the average radius of curvature of the channels is less than 5 channel diameters and/or the minimum radius of curvature is above 0.25 channel diameters.
 5. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein said unit comprises tapered channel segments (20,21,22,23,24,25).
 6. The fluid distributor unit of claim 5, wherein the channel diameter decreases (20,22) from the inlet side of the unit.
 7. The fluid distributor unit of claim 5, wherein at the outlet side, the channel diameter increases to form a set of conical or pyramidal diffusors (7).
 8. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein all pathways from the inlet side (3) to the outlet side (4) have the same flow resistance.
 9. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, comprising an integral filter (31) having average pore diameter below 30 microns.
 10. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the roughness average Ra of the channel surfaces is less than 5 microns, such as less than 2.5 microns.
 11. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the material of construction generates less than 1 mg/1 leachables in an extraction fluid.
 12. The fluid distributor unit of claim 1, wherein the material of construction does not contain toxic leachables according to the USP VI standard.
 13. A chromatography column equipped with the fluid distributor unit of claim
 1. 14. The chromatography column of claim 13, wherein the column bed diameter is larger than 5 cm.
 15. A method to prepare a sanitary fluid distributor unit for processing of biomacromolecules where said fluid distributor unit comprises a channel system with one or more inlet channels starting on an inlet side of the distributor unit, branching out successively into several curved channels and ending on the other side of the distributor unit, called the outlet side, characterized by providing said distributor unit in one single body through using free form fabrication.
 16. A method to prepare the fluid distributor unit of claim 1 by free form fabrication.
 17. The method of claim 15, further comprising a step of modifying the channel surfaces.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of modifying the channel surfaces comprises applying a coating on the channel surfaces.
 19. The method of claim 17, wherein the step of modifying the channel surfaces comprises abrading the channel surfaces.
 20. A method to prepare the fluid distributor unit of claim 15, further comprising communicating a design file from a computer assisted design (CAD) system to a computer-controlled free form fabrication system
 21. A method to prepare the fluid distributor unit of claim 15, further comprising designing drawings in CAD and optimizing them using a computer software to simulate properties of the fluid flow in regard to distribution, residence time, hold-up volume, pressure loss or fluid velocity. 